Dispenser for a pressurised container

ABSTRACT

A dispenser for a pressurised container provided with a valve, provided with a base body having a finger tab intended to be pressed by the user in order to actuate the valve, and having an output opening intended for the output of a product contained in the container. The dispenser includes an output pipe placed in the base body, which output pipe has a first end configured to cooperate with the valve of the pressurised container, and a second end configured for the output of the product contained in the pressurised container. The output pipe is coupled to the base body so that the second end of the output pipe is substantially facing the output opening of the base body. At least one part of the base body is manufactured from recycled material. The output pipe is manufactured from a material different from the recycled material.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a diffuser for a pressurized containerfitted with a valve, especially for an aerosol generator, and moreparticularly to a diffuser comprising different materials.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Generally, a diffuser consists of two main elements having distinctfunctions and injected in a single material. These two elements are theoutlet duct, the functions of which are to guide the product containedin the pressurized container from the valve and to dispense thisproduct, and the base body which protects the outlet duct and whichcomprises elements to actuate the outlet duct for the release of theproduct. The diffuser can be moulded in one single piece or haveinjected parts in one material which are then assembled or weldedtogether. Only the outlet duct of the diffuser is in direct contact withthe product contained in the container. There are therefore someconstraints on the material to be used for manufacturing the outlet ductdepending on the product contained in the pressurized container. Thisconstraint in terms of manufacturing material imposes costs on themanufacturing of the diffuser. Thus, there is a need for a base body andan outlet duct for a diffuser with optimised costs.

There are already some diffusers with elements which, before assembly,are initially separate and then put together, by bonding or thermalwelding, or which are produced by co-injection moulding and whose designtakes into account the base body on the one hand and the outlet duct onthe other. However, the optimization variable in these diffuser elementsis usually about improving the way the product contained in thepressurized container is dispensed. Little or no consideration is givento optimizing the amount of material used to manufacture the outletduct, whose cost is generally linked to the chosen material. Therefore,it is necessary to have a diffuser whose outlet duct and base body canoptimize the grades and amounts of chosen materials in order to limitadditional costs. Moreover, in order to observe societal commitmentswhilst complying with regulations, it may be important and indeedessential to be able to select different material grades for the outletduct and the base body.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The purpose of the invention is to provide a diffuser in which thechoice of material respectively used for the outlet duct and the basebody is only dictated by their desired respective properties; thisdiffuser should also be more economical to manufacture.

According to the first aspect of the invention, there is provided adiffuser for a pressurized container fitted with a valve, especially foran aerosol generator. The diffuser is provided with a base body having afinger tab to be depressed by the user to actuate the valve, and havingan outlet opening for the release of a product contained in thepressurized container. The diffuser is further provided with an outletduct placed in the base body, which outlet duct has a first endconfigured to cooperate with the valve of the pressurized container, anda second end configured for the release of the product contained in thepressurized container. The outlet duct is coupled to the base body insuch a way that the second end of the outlet duct is substantiallyfacing the outlet opening of the base body. At least a part of the basebody is manufactured from recycled material. The outlet duct ismanufactured from a material different from the recycled material.Optionally, the material used for the outlet duct may also be recycled.

The embodiments of the invention are based inter alia on the inventiveidea that the material used for the part of the base body and thematerial used for the outlet duct have different origins, and thereforedifferent prices. Use of a material of higher grade in contact with theproduct contained in the pressurized container can thus be limited tothe outlet duct, which is a relatively small part, whereas the materialused for the part of the base body can be a recycled material selectedfor its mechanical characteristics, cheaper cost, aesthetics, etc.,rather than for its physicochemical suitability for the productcontained in the container. This goal can be reached by providing anoutlet duct and a base body as two distinct parts which may be coupledusing different fastening means. The dimensions of the outlet duct maythus be optimized to use as little material as possible, whilst thematerial used for the part of the base body is a recycled, economicallyadvantageous material.

In the context of the invention, the adjective “recycled” refers to amaterial from a used object which is recovered and reintroduced into aproduction cycle. In other words, a recycled object is a waste productresulting from previous use and subjected to a recycling process so asto be reintroduced into a production cycle. The recycling process inquestion may comprise mechanical, physical and/or chemical steps orprocesses with a view to restoring the object's ability to bereintroduced onto the consumption market. In other words, recycling anobject is a treatment process of this object's materials through whichmaterials of a similar or non-similar object having reached the end ofits life, or residual manufacturing materials, may be reintroduced intoa production cycle. Depending on the quality of the recycling process,impurities may remain within the recycled material.

In the context of the invention, the phrase “physicochemicalsuitability” refers to a material whose chemical properties are suitablefor the product contained in the pressurized container, that is to saywhose physicochemical properties do not negatively affect the product'schemical composition or its organoleptic properties, and therefore itsquality.

According to the embodiments of the invention, the material used for theoutlet duct is different from the recycled material used for the part ofthe base body. In other words, the material used for the outlet duct andthe material used for the part of the base body may be of differentcompositions. The term “composition” is intended to mean “chemicalcomposition” in the context of the invention. For example, due to thepossible presence of impurities in the recycled material, asaforementioned, the recycled material used for the part of the base bodyis of a different composition from that of the material used for theoutlet duct.

It is thus possible to use two materials of different compositions forthe outlet duct and for the base body. The material used for the outletduct should be chemically suitable for the product to be withdrawn,whilst the recycled material of the base body does not need to satisfythis condition, but can be selected more specifically for its mechanicalproperties. The base body and the outlet duct may thus be manufacturedin different facilities. One kind of outlet duct may be used with basebodies of different qualities, and one kind of base body may be usedwith outlet ducts made of different materials. Numerous combinations aretherefore possible.

According to a preferred embodiment, the material used for the part ofthe base body has a total rate of constituent migration from saidmaterial into a reference product that is greater than the total rate ofconstituent migration from the material used for the outlet duct intothe reference product. According to an exemplary embodiment, the totalrate of migration of the constituents of the material used for theoutlet duct into the reference product is less than 10 mg of saidconstituents per 1 dm² of surface area of said material.

According to a preferred embodiment, the material used for the outletduct is a virgin material. According to an exemplary embodiment, thematerial used for the outlet duct is a material suitable for foodcontact.

Within the European Union, Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004, and morerecently Regulation (EC) No 10/2011 on plastic materials, constitutesthe basic legislation on materials intended to come into contact withfood. According to the Regulation, it is stipulated that said materialsmust be safe for human health and must not modify the properties of theproduct in an unacceptable manner. The Regulation also establishes thatthe European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is required to set up aconventional assessment of any risk to human health linked to the use ofcertain types of materials in contact with food products. Thus, theopinion rendered by EFSA must include the name of the substance underevaluation, and any specification or recommendation for any condition orrestriction on the use of said substance.

It is possible to manufacture materials, especially plastic materials,so that they do not release more than 10 mg of substances per 1 dm² ofsurface area of said materials. A surface area of 6 dm² represents thesurface area of a 1 kg (or 1 litre) cube of food. A total migrationlimit of 60 mg/kg applies for all materials in contact with the food. Inother words, any migration of chemical constituents from said materialsto food products above this limit is not allowed. If the risk assessmentof an individual substance of said materials does not indicate a lowerlevel, this level will constitute a generic limit for the inertness of amaterial, as described in Regulations (EC) No 1935/2004 and (EC) No10/2011, that is to say the total migration limit of constituents fromthe material to the food product. Moreover, based on a toxicologicalrisk assessment, a specific migration limit can be established inaddition to the total migration limit. The specific migration limitcorresponds to the maximum allowable quantity of a given substancereleased from a material in a food product.

To quantify the chemical transfer of constituents from a material to afood product, the concentration of migrating constituents is measured inproducts imitating food, also called reference products, and not in foodproducts themselves. The use of reference products imitating real foodproducts is an approximation for the actual migration into real foodproducts. It is generally agreed that their use overestimates the actualmigration. The reference products are used as food substitutes in orderto simplify the chemical analysis of the migrating constituents foundwithin them. The chemical detection and quantification of constituentsrequire specific analytical methods for each chemical substance ofinterest, which are specially developed for each type of referenceproduct. The reference products vary according to their chemicalproperties, thus representing different types of food products:hydrophilic (water-based foods), lipophilic (fatty foods) or amphiphilic(foods with both aqueous and fatty properties). For example, migrationto an oily food product is measured using vegetable oil as a referenceproduct. Reference products made of 10% ethanol or 3% acetic acid areused for water-based foods and beverages. Dry foods are simulated by asynthetic polymer with a defined porosity. Butter and other amphiphilicfoods are simulated by a solution of 50% ethanol. Distilled water iscommonly used as a reference product for the assessment of the totalmigration of constituents from a material to a food product, i.e. thetotal chemical transfer of the constituents from the material to thefood product, without necessarily knowing and distinguishing thechemical identity of each constituent taken separately, although otherreference products can be used.

It is clear to those skilled in the art that reference products can alsobe used to imitate products other than food products, such as cosmeticor medical products. Thus, the total rate of migration or the specificrate of migration of constituents from a material to a cosmetic ormedical product can be assessed using cosmetic or medical referenceproducts. Thus, the embodiments of the invention are not limited to theuse of reference products imitating food products.

In the context of the invention, the adjective “inert” refers to amaterial with a total rate of constituent migration into a given productor a given reference product which is no greater than a certain safetylimit, for example greater than the aforementioned total migration limitof 60 mg/kg. In other words, this represents a material that will notnegatively affect, or only in a negligible way, the chemical compositionof the product, and therefore its quality.

It should be noted that the adjectives “recycled” and “inert” are notnecessarily mutually exclusive in the context of the invention. Thus, arecycled material can also be an inert material. However, the costs ofproducing an inert material are generally higher than the costs ofproducing a recycled material because the quality of the inert materialwill generally be higher than the quality of the recycled material.Indeed, impurities may remain within the recycled material, depending onthe quality of the recycling process carried out. Depending on theirnature, these impurities may have as a consequence that the recycledmaterial cannot be said to be an inert material towards the productbecause they may have a rate of migration of constituents to the productgreater than a certain safety limit, and thus negatively affect itsquality.

In the context of the invention, the adjective “virgin” as opposed tothe adjective “recycled” refers to a material that has not yet beenused. Thus, the material of the outlet duct may be a first-use material.It should be noted that an inert material may not be virgin. In otherwords, a recycled material used for the outlet duct can be used if itexhibits a constituent migration rate below a certain safety limit, thusensuring that the quality of said product is maintained. In this sense,the material is not virgin because it is not a first-use material. Itshould also be noted that an inert material can also be a virginmaterial. Thus, a distinction should be made between the adjectives“virgin” and “inert” in the context of the invention. For example, avirgin material may not be inert, and vice versa.

In the context of the invention, the phrase “suitable for food contact”refers to a material which does not negatively affect the nutritional ororganoleptic quality of a food product contained in the pressurizedcontainer, thus ensuring that it is safe for consumption. It should benoted that a virgin material may also be suitable for food contact. Itshould also be noted that a material suitable for food contact may notbe a virgin material. Thus, a distinction should be made between theadjective “virgin” and the phrase “suitable for food contact” in thecontext of the invention. For example, a virgin material may not besuitable for food contact, and vice versa. Thus, if the diffuser isintended for a food product, the material of the outlet duct will haveto be suitable for food contact, while the recycled material of the basebody will not need to be and may thus be more economical.

In other words, the suitability of an object for food contact means thatthe material it is made of complies with prescriptive or regulatoryrequirements (see European Regulations above) guaranteeing that thisobject poses no risk of toxicity for food or drinks Good hygienepractices require that this type of article should be inert towards foodproducts, avoiding or safely limiting any migration of substances, andshould present no catalytic effect liable to modify the quality of thefood product.

It should be noted that the product contained in the pressurizedcontainer may belong to fields other than food, such as the cosmeticsfield or medical field. Regulations specific to these areas also existand constitute the basic legislation which applies to materials incontact with cosmetic or medical products

The base body forms a cavity which may comprise a concave wall and aconvex wall forming a recess in the cavity. In the context of theinvention, the adjectives “concave” and “convex” refer to the inside ofthe base body. In other words, these adjectives refer to an observersituated in the cavity of the base body. The outlet opening may becreated in the base body's convex wall. Pressurized containers generallyhave a cylindrical end on which the base body will be fixed. The mainbody of the valve and the cylindrical end of the pressurized containermay be aligned along an axis. Due to the presence of the convex wall,the outlet opening made in the convex wall may be brought closer to thevalve axis, and the longitudinal dimension of the outlet duct may beminimized. As a result of the outlet opening being brought closer, thelongitudinal dimension between the valve axis and the second end may beminimized, making the outlet duct more compact, thus minimizing thequantity of material used and consequently, production costs.

The finger tab of a diffuser can be defined as the part of the diffuserdirectly subjected to a movement following pressure of a user's fingeron a portion of the outer surface of the finger tab.

The movement of the finger tab causes, generally mechanically, themovement of the outlet duct and the actuation of the valve of thepressurized container.

According to the first aspect of the invention, at least a part of thebase body is manufactured from recycled material. According to anexemplary embodiment, the finger tab may be manufactured from therecycled material, or the convex wall may be manufactured from therecycled material, or the concave wall may be manufactured from therecycled material, or a combination of two of those three parts mayfurther be manufactured from the recycled material. According to anotherexemplary embodiment, the entire base body may be manufactured from therecycled material. For example, the finger tab, the convex wall and theconcave wall of the base body may all be produced from the recycledmaterial.

The concave wall and the convex wall may be moulded in one single piece.The manufacturing material of the concave wall and the manufacturingmaterial of the convex wall may thus be identical. In other embodiments,the convex wall may be assembled with the concave wall by bonding orthermal welding, or is produced by co-injection moulding. Themanufacturing material of the concave wall and the manufacturingmaterial of the convex wall may thus be different. It is preferred toproduce the concave wall and convex wall as a single moulded piece asthe finished part shows better mechanical strength.

According to a typical embodiment, the outlet duct could be available ina small number of so-called standard variants, for example one variantwith a nozzle, and one variant without a nozzle, and the various basebody designs could be made adaptable to fit the standard outlet ducts.

According to a preferred embodiment, the material used for the outletduct comprises any one of the following materials: a polymeric material,a metal, or a combination of said aforementioned materials.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the polymeric material comprisesany one of the following polymers: polyethylene (PE), polypropylene(PP), polyoxymethylene (POM), butylene polyterephthalate (PBT),polyamide (PA), or a combination of said aforementioned polymers.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the metal comprisesaluminium, steel, especially stainless steel, or an alloy of the twoaforementioned metals.

According to a preferred embodiment, the material used for the part ofthe base body comprises any one of the following materials: a polymericmaterial, a non-polymeric material, or a combination of saidaforementioned materials.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the polymeric material comprisesany one of the following polymers: polyethylene (PE), polypropylene(PP), polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), polybutylenesuccinate (PBS), or a combination of said aforementioned polymers.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the base body is provided witha connecting hole in the finger tab, in such a way that the outlet ductmay be fastened to the base body.

The permanent presence of a connecting hole in one part of the base bodydesign offers an ongoing means of attaching the outlet duct to the basebody for all diffuser variations. The connecting hole serves tofacilitate the attaching of the outlet duct to the base body. Forexample, it can be used to introduce a means of attachment which may bemechanical, glue or adhesive, welding, or a tool to allow the outletduct to be fixed to the base body. As just one connecting hole isrequired at a given position on the base body, the design flexibilitybetween different diffuser variations is ensured.

In this manner, the base body and the outlet duct of the diffuser can bemanufactured independently of each other in mechanically and/orchemically compatible or incompatible materials. According to anexemplary embodiment, the outlet duct may be available as standard,ready-made variants. All that is therefore required is to design onesingle element of the diffuser, the base body, accordingly, in such away as to give logistical flexibility and reduce costs. The outlet ductcan be fastened to the base body using a fastening portion of the outletduct inserted into the connecting hole in such a way that it cannot comeloose on its own. The inserted portion can be mechanically joined,welded, chemically bonded and/or heat-bonded to the base body. Theconnecting hole thus facilitates the attachment of the outlet duct and,by the insertion of the outlet duct portion, facilitates the positioningof the outlet duct in relation to the base body.

Depending on the fastening means used for attaching the outlet duct tothe base body, the material used for the base body and the material usedfor the outlet duct may be chosen to be mechanically and/or chemicallycompatible with each other or not. Thus, if said inserted portion ismechanically joined to the base body, the material used for the basebody and the material used for the outlet duct may be chosen to bemechanically compatible with each other, but not necessarily chemicallycompatible with each other. Alternatively, if said inserted portion iswelded, chemically bonded and/or heat-bonded to the base body, thematerial used for the base body and the material used for the outletduct may be chosen to be chemically compatible with each other, but notnecessarily mechanically compatible with each other.

In the context of the invention, the phrase “chemically compatible”refers to a material whose chemical properties, especially chemicalreactivity, are compatible with the chemical properties, especiallychemical reactivity, of another material, that is to say whose chemicalproperties do not negatively affect the chemical properties of thatother material.

In the context of the invention, the phrase “mechanically compatible”refers to a material whose physical properties, especially mechanicalones, are compatible with the physical properties, especially mechanicalones, of another material, that is to say whose physical properties donot negatively affect the physical properties of that other material.

Thus, a recycled polymeric material of the base body may be mechanicallyand/or chemically compatible with a polymeric material or a metal of theoutlet duct. For example, recycled polypropylene (PP) used formanufacturing at least a part of the base body may be mechanicallyand/or chemically compatible with polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP)or aluminium used for manufacturing the outlet duct. Similarly, anon-recycled polymeric material of the base body may be mechanicallyand/or chemically compatible with a polymeric material or a metal of theoutlet duct. For example, a recycled polymeric material used formanufacturing at least a part of the base body may be mechanicallyand/or chemically compatible with polyoxymethylene (POM), butylenepolyterephthalate (PBT), or (stainless) steel used for manufacturing theoutlet duct.

According to an advantageous embodiment, a minimum longitudinal distancebetween a first point, said first point being a point of the connectinghole on the external surface of the finger tab, and a second point, saidsecond point being a point of the outlet opening on the external surfaceof the base body, is less than 12 mm, preferably less than 10 mm, morepreferably less than 8 mm.

In this way, an additional constraint is added to the design of the basebody which ensures the outlet duct used has reduced dimensions, and thusthe amount of material used is economically advantageous. For example,due to the presence of said convex wall, the outlet opening made in theconvex wall may be brought closer to the valve axis, and thelongitudinal dimension of the outlet duct may be minimized.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the second end of the outletduct is floating in relation to the outlet opening.

In this way, fewer connecting elements are needed between the outletduct and the base body, which means less material is required, thereforereducing production costs.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the base body comprises a loweredge and an upper edge.

According to a preferred embodiment, the base body comprises a lowerpart. Said lower part of the base body forms a substantially cylindricallower cavity and is delimited by the lower edge of the base body and alower end of the convex wall.

According to an exemplary embodiment, a height of said lower cavity ofthe base body is between 15 mm and 25 mm. The height of the lower cavityof the base body is defined in a direction parallel to the valve axis,from the lower edge of the base body to the lower end of the convexwall.

In addition to said lower cavity of the base body, an upper cavity maybe defined in the base body, which is formed by an upper part of thebase body. Said upper cavity is delimited by the lower end of the convexwall and the upper edge of the base body.

According to an exemplary embodiment, a height of said upper cavity ofthe base body is between 15 mm and 35 mm. The height of the upper cavityof the base body is defined in a direction parallel to the valve axis,from the lower end of the convex wall to the top of the upper edge ofthe base body.

According to a preferred embodiment, the outlet duct is substantiallyentirely arranged within the upper cavity of the base body. In otherwords, the outlet duct preferably does not extend beyond the limitsdefined for the upper cavity of the base body.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the outlet duct is divided betweena substantially straight first section and a second section which is atan angle to the first. The first section starts at the first end andends at the junction with the second section. The second section startsat the junction with the first section and ends at the second end. Thefirst section is preferably substantially parallel to the valve axis.

According to a preferred embodiment, a fastening portion of the outletduct, in a fastened state, is visible from the outside of the diffuser,preferably at the finger tab, and has a recognisable shape and/or colourserving as a means of identification for the user.

Thus, the fastening portion has the dual function of identification andfastening means. The shape and/or colour of the fastening portion mayindicate a type of product, the origin of the product, usage precautionsfor the product, a conditioning of the product, etc. As the materialused for the base body is a recycled material, it would be possible, forexample, to give a green colour to the outlet duct so that the fasteningportion forms a green pad on the finger tab. Manufacturers would thus beable to communicate to their customers on their strategic desire tocommit to a sustainable development policy.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a basebody for use in a diffuser according to any one of the precedingembodiments.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided anoutlet duct for use in a diffuser according to any one of the precedingembodiments.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a useof a diffuser for a pressurized container according to any one of thepreceding embodiments for dispensing food, cosmetic or medical products.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

These and other aspects of the present invention will now be describedin more detail, with reference to the attached drawings which showexamples of embodiments of the invention. Identical numbers refer toidentical features in all the drawings.

FIGS. 1A and 1B show an exploded perspective view and a longitudinalcross-sectional perspective view, respectively, of the diffuser, thepressurized container's valve, and the pressurized container accordingto an embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 2A and 2B show a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the diffuserand an enlargement, respectively, according to the embodiment in FIGS.1A and 1B;

FIG. 3 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the diffuseraccording to another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the diffuseraccording to another embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 5 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the diffuseraccording to another embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1A and 1B show an exploded perspective view and a longitudinalcross-sectional perspective view, respectively, of the diffuser, thepressurized container's valve, and the pressurized container accordingto an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

The invention relates to a diffuser 100 for a pressurized container 20,especially for an aerosol generator, a foam generator, a dispensersystem for gel, cream or other paste or liquid products, etc. Thediffuser 100 is used to actuate the valve 30 of the container in orderto remove some of the contents from the pressurized container 20 and todispense it in the form of an aerosol or foam, for example. Pressurizedcontainers 20 are generally made of a casing 21 fitted with a neckclosed with a valve 30 mounted on a valve cup 35. Sometimes the valvecup 35 is attached to the casing 21 by way of a dome 22. When the valve30 is male type, a flow restrictor 31 or stem protrudes from the valve30.

The diffuser 100 comprises a base body 110 and an outlet duct 120. Thebase body 110 may have a cavity formed by an outer wall 111 of the basebody 110 or provided in a substantially solid body. The outlet duct 120can be fully or partially housed within the cavity formed by the outerwall 111. The outer wall 111 can comprise concave and/or convex parts.Thus, the base body 110 may form a cavity which may comprise a concavewall 118 and a convex wall 117 forming a recess in the cavity. In thecontext of the invention, the adjectives “concave” and “convex” refer tothe inside of the base body 110. In other words, these adjectives referto an observer situated in the cavity of the base body 110.

Pressurized containers 20 generally have a cylindrical end on which thebase body 110 will be fixed. The flow restrictor 31 of the valve 30protrudes from this end and is centred in relation to this end. The flowrestrictor 31, the main body of the valve 30, and the cylindrical end ofthe pressurized container 20 are aligned along an axis A. In order tocooperate with the container's cylindrical end, a lower part of theouter wall 111 of the base body 110 may exhibit rotational symmetryaround axis A when attached to the container 20.

The base body 110 may be fitted with a fastening ring 112 which allowsit to be fastened either directly to the pressurized container 20,particularly on the casing 21 or the valve 30, or by means of a collar.This fastening ring 112 may be fitted with fastening means arrangedcontinuously or at regular intervals along the periphery of thefastening ring. These fastening means may be intended to cooperate withcomplementary fastening means created on the casing 21 or the valve 30of the pressurized container 20, or on the collar 23. In particular, theseries of gadroons 112 regularly distributed as shown in FIG. 1B or 2Amay snap behind a rolled edge 24 at the interface between the casing 21and and the valve cup 35 or between the casing 21 and the dome 22 onwhich the valve cup 35 is fastened. Other fastening means may beconsidered, such as a continuous rib, a thread for a screw connection,increased thickness of material for welding, glue for bonding, etc.

The base body wall 111 may have a finger tab opening 113 in which thefinger tab 130 sits. The finger tab 130 may be attached to the rest ofthe base body 110 by a tongue 131 which serves as a hinge such that whenpressure is exerted on the finger tab 130 towards the inside of the basebody 110, thus towards the valve 30 when the diffuser 100 is fastened onthe pressurized container 20, the finger tab 130 pivots around an axiswhich passes transversally through the tongue 131. In the example inFIGS. 1A and 1B, the finger tab 130 and the corresponding finger tabopening 113 are situated near the top of the base body 110. In otherembodiments, the finger tab 130 may be separate from the base body 110and be depressed either in a vertical translational motion or in arocking motion around a support.

An outlet opening 114 may be created in the wall 111 of the base body110. The outlet opening 114 may be configured so that the productwithdrawn from the pressurized container through it when being releasedfrom the outlet duct 120. The adjectives “front” and “rear” refer tothis release of the product through the outlet opening 114, the productbeing released through a front section of the diffuser 100 with the rearsection being opposite to it. In the example of FIGS. 1A and 1B, thefinger tab 130 is fastened to the rest of the base body 110 by thetongue 131 situated to the rear of the finger tab 130. In anotherexemplary embodiment, the finger tab may be fastened by the tonguesituated to the front of the finger tab, see FIG. 4.

The base body 110 may include a connecting hole 140. The connecting hole140 may be a through hole between an outer surface of the base body 110and an inner surface of the base body 110, and may be configured tofacilitate the attachment of the outlet duct 120 in such a way that theoutlet duct 120 may be fastened to the base body 110. The outlet duct120 may be fastened to the base body 110 by joining them mechanically,by bonding, welding, and/or heat-bonding. In the example in FIGS. 1A and1B, the connecting hole 140 is located in the longitudinal cross-sectionplane of the base body 110, on a front part of the finger tab 130.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 1A and 1B, the material used for the outletduct 120 is a material different from the material used for the basebody 110. In other words, the material used for the outlet duct 120 andthe material used for the part of the base body 110 are of differentcompositions. The term “composition” is intended to mean “chemicalcomposition” in the context of the invention. For example, due to thepossible presence of impurities in the recycled material, asaforementioned, the recycled material used for the part of the base body110 is of a different composition from that of the material used for theoutlet duct 120.

The material used for the part of the base body 110 may have a totalrate of constituent migration from said material into a referenceproduct that is greater than the total rate of constituent migrationfrom the material used for the outlet duct 120 into the referenceproduct. For example, the total rate of constituent migration from thematerial used for the outlet duct 120 into the reference product may beless than 10 mg of said constituents per 1 dm² of surface area of saidmaterial. A total migration limit de 60 mg/kg may apply to all materialsof the outlet duct 120 that are in contact with food products.

The material used for the outlet duct 120 may be an inert materialtowards the product contained in the pressurized container 20. In thecontext of the invention, the adjective “inert” refers to a material ofthe outlet duct 120 with a total rate of constituent migration into thereference product or into the product contained in the pressurizedcontainer 20 which is no greater than a certain safety limit, forexample greater than the aforementioned total migration limit of 60mg/kg. In other words, this represents a material for the outlet duct120 that will not negatively affect, or only in a negligible way, thechemical composition of the product, and therefore its quality.

The material used for the outlet duct 120 may be a virgin material. Inthe context of the invention, the adjective “virgin” refers to amaterial that has not yet been used. Thus, the outlet duct 120 may be afirst-use outlet duct. For example, the material used for the outletduct 120 may be a first-use material.

The material used for the outlet duct 120 may be a material suitable forfood contact. In the context of the invention, the phrase “suitable forfood contact” refers to a material which does not negatively affect thenutritional quality of a food product contained in the pressurizedcontainer 20, thus ensuring that it is safe for consumption.

The material used for the outlet duct 120 may comprise any one of thefollowing materials: a polymeric material, a metal, or a combination ofsaid aforementioned materials. The polymeric material may comprise anyone of the following polymers: polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP),polyoxymethylene (POM), butylene polyterephthalate (PBT), polyamide(PA), or a combination of said aforementioned polymers. According toanother exemplary embodiment, the metal may comprise aluminium, steel,especially stainless steel, or an alloy of two aforementioned metals.

The material used for the part of the base body 110 does not need tosatisfy this condition, but may be selected for its mechanicalproperties or its environmental and/or economic value. For example, ifthe diffuser 100 is to be used for a food product, the material used forthe outlet duct 120 may be suitable for food contact, whilst this is notrequired of the part of the base body 110, as it is not in contact withthe product. According to other examples, the diffuser 100 may beintended for a cosmetic, medical or household product. The material usedfor the outlet duct 120 may be inert, whilst this is not required of therecycled material used for the part of the base body 110, as it is notin contact with the product.

The material used for the part of the base body 110 is a recycledmaterial. In the context of the invention, the adjective “recycled”, asopposed to the adjective “virgin”, refers to a material from a usedobject which is recovered and reintroduced into a production cycle fromwhich it originated.

In other words, the recycled base body 110 is a waste product resultingfrom previous use and subjected to a recycling process so as to bereintroduced into a production cycle from which it originated. Therecycling process in question may comprise physical and/or chemicalsteps or processes with a view to restoring the ability of the base body110 to be reintroduced onto the consumption market. In other words,recycling a used object is a treatment process of this object'smaterials through which materials of a similar or non-similar objecthaving reached the end of its life, or residual manufacturing materials,may be reintroduced into the production cycle of the base body 110.Depending on the quality of the recycling process, impurities may remainwithin the recycled material.

The material used for the part of the base body 110 may comprise any oneof the following materials: a polymeric material, a non-polymericmaterial, or a combination of said aforementioned materials. Thepolymeric material may comprise any one of the following polymers:polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polylactic acid (PLA),polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), polybutylene succinate (PBS), or acombination of said aforementioned polymers.

Depending on the fastening means used for attaching the outlet duct 120to the base body 110, the material used for the base body 110 and thematerial used for the outlet duct 120 may be chosen to be mechanicallyand/or chemically compatible with each other or not (see FIGS. 2A-5).

In the context of the invention, the phrase “chemically compatible”refers to a material whose chemical properties, especially chemicalreactivity, are compatible with the chemical properties, especiallychemical reactivity, of another material, that is to say whose chemicalproperties do not negatively affect the chemical properties of thatother material.

In the context of the invention, the phrase “mechanically compatible”refers to a material whose physical properties, especially mechanicalones, are compatible with the physical properties, especially mechanicalones, of another material, that is to say whose physical properties donot negatively affect the physical properties of that other material.

Thus, a recycled polymeric material of the base body 110 may bemechanically and/or chemically compatible with a polymeric material or ametal of the outlet duct 120. For example, recycled polypropylene (PP)used for manufacturing at least a part of the base body 110 may bemechanically and/or chemically compatible with polyethylene (PE),polypropylene (PP) or aluminium used for manufacturing the outlet duct120. Similarly, a non-recycled polymeric material of the base body 110may be mechanically and/or chemically compatible with a polymericmaterial or a metal of the outlet duct 120. For example, a recycledpolymeric material used for manufacturing at least a part of the basebody 110 may be mechanically and/or chemically compatible withpolyoxymethylene (POM), butylene polyterephthalate (PBT) or (stainless)steel used for manufacturing the outlet duct 120.

It is to be noted that at least a part of the base body 110 ismanufactured from recycled material. According to the embodiment ofFIGS. 1A and 1B, the entire base body 110 is manufactured from therecycled material. Thus, the finger tab 130, the convex wall 117 and theconcave wall 118 of the base body 110 are all made from recycledmaterial. According to another exemplary embodiment, only said part maybe manufactured from the recycled material. According to a firstexample, the finger tab 130 may be made from recycled material.According to a second example, the convex wall 117 may be made fromrecycled material. According to a third example, the concave wall may bemade from recycled material.

A more detailed description of the outlet duct 120, of its positioningin relation to the base body 110 and the way it is fastened to the basebody 110 can be read below with reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B.

FIGS. 2A and 2B respectively show a longitudinal cross-sectional view ofthe diffuser and an enlargement, relating to the exemplary embodiment ofFIGS. 1A and 1B. At least a part of the base body 110 of the diffuser100 is manufactured from recycled material. The outlet duct 120 of thediffuser 100 is however manufactured from a material different from therecycled material.

The outlet duct 120 placed in the base body 110 has a passage 123between a first end 121 and a second end 122. The first end 121 isconfigured to cooperate with the pressurized container's valve. Thesecond end 122 is configured for the release of the product contained inthe pressurized container. When the outlet duct 120 is fastened to thebase body 110, the second end 122 is oriented so as to correspond withthe outlet opening 114. The second end 122 can be either fixed orfloating in relation to the outlet opening 114, and is shown as floatingin this example.

The outlet duct 120 has, at its first end 121, means to actuate thevalve. If the valve is of female type, the first end 121 may comprise arod intended to penetrate the valve to actuate it. If the valve is ofmale type, the first end 121 may be splayed to facilitate theintroduction of the stem when mounting the diffuser 100 on thepressurized container.

The second end 122 of the outlet duct opens outwards and may be providedwith a nozzle to improve the aerosol quality. If the product is notreleased in alignment with the valve, the outlet duct 120 may be dividedbetween at least one substantially straight first section 124 and asecond section 125 which is at an angle to the first. In this example,the first section 124 starts at the first end 121 and ends at thejunction with the second section 125. The second section 125 starts atthe junction with the first section 124 and ends at the second end 122.The at least one first section 124 and the second section 125 form thepassage 123 between the first end 121 and the second end 122.

In order for a nozzle to be fitted, the second section 125 mayhave—towards the second end 122—a nozzle housing 126. In the example ofFIGS. 2A and 2B, the second section 125 consists of an inner duct 125 awhich forms a portion of the passage 123 and which is surrounded by acylindrical wall 125 b towards the second end 122. The annular spacebetween the inner duct 125 a and the cylindrical wall 125 b forms thenozzle housing 126. If the diffuser 100 does not have a nozzle, thecylindrical wall 125 b may not be needed.

To attach the outlet duct 120 to the base body 110, the outlet duct 120may include a fastening portion 150. In the example of FIGS. 2A and 2B,the fastening portion 150 is joined to the top of the first section 124of the outlet duct and, when the outlet duct 120 is fastened to the basebody 110, extends towards the front of the finger tab 130, coaxially toaxis A. According to another embodiment, the fastening portion 150 mayextend at a distance from and parallel to axis A.

According to yet another embodiment, the fastening portion 150 mayextend obliquely in relation to axis A.

To fasten the outlet duct 120 to the base body 110 in the embodiment ofFIGS. 2A and 2B, the fastening portion 150 has a part configured tocooperate with a complementary part created in the finger tab 130. Thefastening portion 150 is intended to be snapped into the connecting hole140 to mechanically join the outlet duct 120 to the base body 110.

The fastening portion 150 may include a fastening lug consisting of asubstantially cylindrical rod 152 which may be attached by its first endto the outlet duct 120, and which has, at its second end, a cap 153which has a larger cross-section than the rod 152.

The junction between the rod 152 and the rest of the outlet duct 120 mayconstitute a shoulder 151 at a distance from the cap 153. In this case,the fastening lug 151, 152, 153, comprises a cylinder in which anannular groove is made. The top of the cylinder corresponds to the cap153. The annular groove forms the rod 152. The part of the cylinderopposite the cap 153 corresponds to the shoulder 151. The fasteningportion 150 may be joined to the outlet duct 120 by a hollow compartment127. In this example, the hollow compartment 127 has a parallelepipedshape so as to be simple and structurally rigid. The hollow compartment127 can act as the shoulder 151.

To prevent the outlet duct 120 from pivoting around the fasteningportion 150, which would risk the second end 122 of the outlet duct nolonger being aligned with the outlet opening 114, anti-rotation meansmay be provided. In this example, the anti-rotation means consist of twoguide tabs 160. These guide tabs 160 are situated on the inner surfaceof the wall 111 of the base body and extend on both sides of the secondsection 125 of the outlet duct from the inner surface of the finger taband in the direction of the first end 121 of the outlet duct. The twoguide tabs 160 are placed opposite each other preferably symmetricallyin relation to the longitudinal plane parallel to axis A and passingthrough the centre of the connecting hole 140 and of the outlet opening114. They can be spaced apart so as to enclose, or at least to fitclosely around, the outlet duct 120. To facilitate the installation ofthe outlet duct 120, the distance between the two guide tabs 160 maywiden slightly towards the first end 121 of the outlet duct, along axisA.

In another preferred embodiment, the fastening lug 151, 152, 153 maycomprise an asymmetrical or polyhedral cross-section. The connectinghole 140 may comprise an asymmetrical or polyhedral cross-sectioncorresponding to the asymmetrical or polyhedral cross-section of thefastening lug 151, 152, 153. The asymmetrical or polyhedralcross-sections of the fastening lug 151, 152, 153 and the connectinghole 140 can be selected such that, in a fastened state, any rotation ofthe outlet duct 120 in relation to the base body 110 is prevented.

Depending on the length of the second section 125 of the outlet duct, itcan be arranged that the outlet opening 114 be brought closer to axis A,with a front portion comprising the outlet opening 114 being formed by aconvex surface 117. As a result of the outlet opening 114 in the convexsurface 117 being brought closer, the longitudinal dimension 1 betweenaxis A and the end of the second section 125 may be made less than 15mm, preferably less than 12.5 mm and even more preferably less than 10mm. In order to make the outlet duct 120 even more compact, the height hof the first section 124 along axis A between the first end 121 and thetop of the passage 123 may be made less than 15 mm, preferably less than12.5 mm and even more preferably less than 10 mm.

The connecting hole 140 may be made in the base body 110 to facilitatethe fastening of the outlet duct 120 to the base body. In this example,the connecting hole 140 is located on the front half of the finger tab130 and is a through hole between an inner surface and an outer surfaceof the finger tab 130. The minimum distance d between a first point,said first point being a point of the connecting hole 140 on the outersurface of the finger tab 130, and a second point, said second pointbeing a point of the outlet opening 114 on the outer surface of the basebody, may be less than 12 mm, preferably less than 10 mm and even morepreferably less than 8 mm.

The above constraints imposed to dimensions 1, h and d of the outletduct 120 tend to add an additional constraint to the design of the basebody 110 which ensures the outlet duct 120 used has reduced dimensions,and thus the amount of material used is economically advantageous.Indeed, since the outlet duct 120 may be manufactured from an inertmaterial and/or a virgin material and/or a material suitable for foodcontact, production costs for the outlet duct 120 are greater than forthe base body 110, since the latter is manufactured from a recycledmaterial. Moreover, due to the presence of said convex wall 117, theoutlet opening 114 created in the convex wall 117 may be brought closerto axis A of the valve, and the longitudinal dimension of the outletduct 120 may be minimized, which contributes to using a lesser amount ofinert material and/or virgin material and/or material suitable for foodcontact.

The connecting hole 140 may be configured to receive and hold thefastening lug 151, 152, 153. The connecting hole 140 may be defined by afirst portion 141 and a second portion 142. The first portion 141 may bean internal portion leading to an inner surface of the base body 110, onthe inner surface of the finger tab 130 in FIGS. 2A and 2B. The secondportion 142 may be an external portion leading to the outer surface ofthe base body 110, on the outer surface of the finger tab 130 in FIGS.2A and 2B.

The first portion 141 of the connecting hole may have dimensionssuitable to accommodate the fastening lug's rod 152. The second portion142 of the connecting hole may be broader and have dimensions toaccommodate the fastening lug's cap 153. Additionally, the secondportion 142 and the cap 153 may be configured so that the surface of theend of the cap 153 is flush with the outer surface of the base body 110,and flush with the outer surface of the finger tab 130 in FIGS. 2A and2B. Thus, in this example, the surface of the end of the cap 153 is notperpendicular to the axis of the rod 151, but slightly tilted to followthe contour of the outer surface of the finger tab 130 around theconnecting hole 140.

In another preferred embodiment, the cap 153 may protrude beyond or berecessed from the outer surface of the finger tab 130 around theconnecting hole 140. Alternatively or additionally, the cap 153 and theconnecting hole 140 may have cross-sections with different shapes andthe cap 153 may be inserted through the connecting hole by pivoting theoutlet duct 120 with respect to its final position in a fastened state.

When being attached, the outlet duct 120 may be inserted into the cavityformed by the outer wall 111 of the base body. The second end 122 of theoutlet duct may be oriented towards the outlet opening 114. Thefastening portion 150 is inserted into the connecting hole 140. The cap153 of the fastening lug may be forcibly pushed through the connectinghole 140. In this example, the cap 153 passes forcibly through the firstportion 141 of the connecting hole until it reaches the second portion142 whose cross-section is sufficient to accommodate it. In thisposition, the rod 152 of the fastening lug is positioned in the firstportion 141 of the connecting hole, and the shoulder 151 is locatedclose to, or in contact with, the inner surface of the finger tab 130.

At the same time, the second section 125 of the outlet duct 120 may beinserted between the guide tabs 160. The guide tabs 160 can thus guidethe outlet duct so that the second end 122 of the outlet duct and thebase body's outlet opening 114 correspond. The fastening lug 151, 152,153 attached through the connecting hole 140 may prevent the translationof the outlet duct 120 in relation to the finger tab 130 along axis A.The guide tabs 160 may prevent the rotation of the outlet duct 120 inrelation to the base body 110 around axis A.

In another preferred embodiment, the outer surface of the finger tab 130has reliefs to give better friction with a user's finger. The sizeand/or shape of the fastening lug's cap 153 may be such as to form partof these reliefs. For example, reliefs are formed by indentations on theouter surface of the finger tab, and the dimensions of the cap 153 aresuch that it cooperates with the connecting hole 140 to form asubstantially similar indentation.

Additionally, a portion of the fastening lug 151, 152, 153, in afastened state, may be visible from the outside of the diffuser 100, andmay have a distinctive shape and/or colour which serve as a means ofidentification for the user. In this manner, the fastening lug 151, 152,153 may have the dual function of identification and fastening means.The shape and/or colour of the fastening lug may indicate the type ofproduct, the origin of the product, usage precautions of the product, aconditioning of the product, etc.

Depending on the type of mechanical fastening means used for attachingthe outlet duct 120 to base body 110 in the embodiment of FIGS. 2A and2B, the material used for the base body 110 and the material used forthe outlet duct 120 may be chosen to be mechanically compatible witheach other, but not necessarily chemically compatible. Moreparticularly, in the embodiment of FIGS. 2A and 2B, the fasteningportion 150 is made from a material that is mechanically compatible, butnot necessarily chemically compatible, with the recycled material of thefinger tab 130 where the connecting hole 140 is created. For example, arecycled polymeric material of the finger tab 130 may be mechanicallyand/or chemically compatible with a polymeric material of the fasteningportion 150. According to the embodiment of FIGS. 2A and 2B, the entirebase body 110 is manufactured from the recycled material. Thus, thefinger tab 130, the convex wall 117 and the concave wall 118 of the basebody 110 are all made from recycled material.

FIG. 3 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the diffuseraccording to another exemplary embodiment of the invention. The diffuser300 comprises a base body 310 and an outlet duct 320.

At least a part of the base body 310 is manufactured from recycledmaterial. The outlet duct 320 is however manufactured from a materialdifferent from the recycled material.

The base body 310 may include an outer wall 311. The outer wall 311 mayform a cavity, and the outlet duct 320 may be fully or partially housedin the cavity formed by the outer wall 311, shown as fully housed inthis example. The outer wall 311 may comprise concave and/or convexparts.

The diffuser 300 is a diffuser for a pressurized container. Thepressurized container may include a cylindrical end. In order tocooperate with the cylindrical end of the container, a lower part of theouter wall 311 of the base body may have rotational symmetry around axisA when attached to the container. The base body 310 may be configured tobe attached to the pressurized container by means of a fastening ring312. In this example, the fastening ring 312 has a series of gadroonsregularly distributed along the periphery of an inner surface of thebase body's outer wall 311. The fastening ring 312 may be adapted tosnap behind a rolled edge of the upper end of the pressurized container.

The base body 310 may include a finger tab 330 to be depressed by theuser in order to actuate the pressurized container's valve. The basebody's outer wall 311 may be pierced with a finger tab opening in whichthe finger tab 330 sits. The finger tab 330 may be attached to the restof the base body 310 by a tongue 331 behind the finger tab 330 whichserves as a hinge such that the finger tab 330 pivots around an axiswhich passes transversally through the tongue 331.

An outlet opening 314 may be created in the outer wall 311 of the basebody. The outlet opening 314 may be configured so that the productwithdrawn from the pressurized container passes through it when beingreleased from the outlet duct 320. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, thefinger tab opening is joined to the outlet opening 314 at the front ofthe base body 310. In another embodiment, an arch may separate theoutlet opening from the finger tab opening so that the structuralstrength of the top of the base body 310 is reinforced.

The base body 310 includes a connecting hole 340 a, 340 b. In thisexample, the finger tab 330 is provided with two connecting holes 340 a,340 b. The two connecting holes 340 a, 340 b may be located towards thefront of the finger tab 330 in the diffuser's longitudinal plane passingthrough axis A. The two connecting holes 340 a, 340 b may be throughholes between an outer surface of the finger tab 330 and an innersurface of the finger tab 330 and may extend substantially parallel toaxis A. The connecting holes 340 a, 340 b may be defined by acylindrical wall which extends away from an inner surface of the fingertab 330 in a direction substantially parallel to axis A. A personskilled in the art will understand that multiple variations ofconnecting holes 340 a, 340 b may be achieved by varying, for example,the number, dimensions, positioning or profile of the connecting holes.

The connecting holes 340 a, 340 b can be configured to cooperate with aportion of the outlet duct 320. In this example, the outlet duct 320 maycomprise two fastening portions 350 a, 350 b to be introduced into thecorresponding connecting holes 340, 340 b so that the outlet duct 320 isfastened to the base body. The outlet duct 320 may be held by the twofastening portions 350 a, 350 b, introduced in the correspondingconnecting holes 340 a, 340 b by interlocking, bonding, heat-bonding,welding, etc.

The outlet duct 320 placed in the base body 310 has a passage 323between a first end 321 and a second end 322. The first end 321 isconfigured to cooperate with the pressurized container's valve. Thesecond end 322 is configured for the release of the product contained inthe pressurized container. When the outlet duct 320 is fastened to thebase body 310, the second end 322 is oriented so as to correspond withthe outlet opening 314. The second end 322 may be floating in relationto the outlet opening 314. The outlet duct 320 may be divided between asubstantially straight first section 324 and a second section 325 whichis at an angle to the first. The first section 324 may start at thefirst end 321 and end at the junction with the second section 325. Thesecond section 325 may start at the junction with the first section 324and end at the second end 322. The first section 324 and the secondsection 325 may form the passage 323 between the first end 321 and thesecond end 322.

The two fastening portions 350 a, 350 b of the outlet duct 320 mayextend away from the second section 325 of the outlet duct, in a mannersubstantially parallel to axis A, towards the finger tab 330. When beingattached, the outlet duct 320 may be inserted into the cavity formed bythe wall 311 of the base body. The second end 322 of the outlet duct maybe oriented towards the outlet opening 314. The fastening portions 350a, 350 b for connecting the outlet duct 320 to the base body may beinserted in the corresponding connecting holes 340 a, 340 b before beingattached to said holes by bonding, interlocking, heat-bonding orwelding. As a result of the two connecting holes 340 a, 340 bcooperating with the two fastening portions 350 a, 350 b of the outletduct, the rotation of the outlet duct 320 in relation to the base body310 can be prevented. A person skilled in the art will understand thatalternatively this rotation can be prevented by modifying the numberand/or the shape of the inserted portions and of the correspondingconnecting holes.

Depending on the fastening means used for attaching the outlet duct 320to the base body 310, the material used for the base body 310 and thematerial used for the outlet duct 320 may be chosen to be mechanicallyand/or chemically compatible with each other or not. More particularly,in the embodiment of FIG. 3 both fastening portions 350 a, 350 b aremade from a material which may be mechanically and/or chemicallycompatible with the recycled material of the finger tab 330 where theconnecting holes 340 a, 340 b are created. For example, a recycledpolymeric material of the finger tab 330 may be mechanically and/orchemically compatible with a polymeric material of the fasteningportions 350 a, 350 b. According to the embodiment of FIG. 3, the entirebase body 310 is manufactured from the recycled material. Thus, thefinger tab 330 and the outer wall 311 of the base body 310 are both madefrom the recycled material.

FIG. 4 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the diffuseraccording to another exemplary embodiment of the invention. The diffuser400 comprises a base body 410 and an outlet duct 420. At least a part ofthe base body 410 is manufactured from recycled material. The outletduct 420 is however manufactured from a material different from therecycled material.

The base body 410 may include an outer wall 411. The outer wall 411 mayinclude concave sections forming a cavity, and the outlet duct 420 maybe fully housed in the cavity formed by the outer wall 411. In order tocooperate with a cylindrical end of a pressurized container fitted witha valve, a lower part of the outer wall 411 of the base body may exhibitrotational symmetry around an axis A when attached to the container. Thebase body 410 may be configured to be attached to the pressurizedcontainer by means of a fastening ring 412. In this example, thefastening ring 412 is fitted with a continuous rib on the periphery ofan inner surface of the outer wall 411 of the base body in such a waythat the continuous rib can snap behind a rolled edge of the upper endof the pressurized container.

The base body 410 may include a finger tab 430 to be depressed by theuser, said finger tab 430 being formed by a finger tab opening 413 inthe outer wall 411 of the base body. The finger tab 430 may be attachedto the rest of the base body 410 by a tongue 431 at the front of thefinger tab 430 which serves as a hinge.

An outlet opening 414 may be created in the outer wall 411 of the basebody. The outlet opening 414 may be configured so that the productwithdrawn from the pressurized container passes through it when beingreleased from the outlet duct 420.

The base body 410 includes a connecting hole 440. In this example, thefinger tab 430 is provided with one connecting hole 440. The connectinghole 440 may be located towards the back of the finger tab 430 in thediffuser's longitudinal plane passing through axis A. The connectinghole 440 may be a through hole between an outer surface and an innersurface of the finger tab 430 and extend substantially towards thecentre of the base body 410. The connecting hole 440 may be configuredto facilitate the attachment of the outlet duct 420 to the base body410.

The outlet duct 420 placed in the base body 410 has a passage 423between a first end 421 and a second end 422. The first end 421 isconfigured to cooperate with the pressurized container's valve. Thesecond end 422 is configured for the release of the product contained inthe pressurized container. When the outlet duct 420 is fastened to thebase body 410, the second end 422 is oriented so as to correspond withthe outlet opening 414. The second end 422 may be floating in relationto the outlet opening 414.

The outlet duct 420 may be divided between a substantially straightfirst section 424 and a second section 425 which is at an angle to thefirst. The first section 424 and the second section 425 may create thepassage 423 between the first end 421 and the second end 422. In orderfor a nozzle to be fitted, the second section 425 may beprovided—towards the second end 422—with a nozzle housing 426. Saidnozzle housing 426 may be formed by an annular space between an innerduct and the surrounding cylindrical wall of the second section 425.

To fasten the outlet duct 420 to the base body 410 in the embodiment ofFIG. 4, the outlet duct 420 comprises a fastening portion 450. Thefastening portion 450 may be substantially cylindrical and extendtowards the back of the finger tab 430, in a fastened state, from thetop of first portion 424 of the outlet duct. The fastening portion 450may have a part which is configured to cooperate with an additional partor element so that the outlet duct 420 is fastened to the base body 410.

The fastening portion 450 may include an attachment hole 451 configuredto cooperate with attaching means 455. The attachment hole 451 may beblind or through, threaded or unthreaded. The attaching means 455 may bea screw, a bolt, a rivet, etc. When being attached, the outlet duct 420may be inserted into the cavity formed by the outer wall 411 of the basebody. The second end 422 of the outlet duct may be oriented in thedirection of the outlet opening 414. The second section 425 of theoutlet duct 420 may be inserted between guide tabs 460. The guide tabs460 may thus guide the outlet duct 420 so that the second end 422 of theoutlet duct and the base body's outlet opening 414 correspond.

These guide tabs 460 may be situated on the inner surface of the outerwall 411 of the base body and extend on both sides of the outlet duct'soutlet opening 414, and towards axis A in such a manner as to fittightly around the second section 425 of the outlet duct. The two guidetabs 460 are located opposite each other preferably symmetrically inrelation to the longitudinal plane parallel to axis A and passingthrough the centre of the connecting hole 440 and the outlet opening414.

The attachment hole 451 may be aligned with the connecting hole 440. Inthis manner the attaching means 455 may be inserted through theconnecting hole 440 to cooperate with the attachment hole 451 and fastenthe outlet duct 420 to the base body 410. The connecting hole 440 may beconfigured such that, in a fastened state, the attaching means 455 isflush with the outer surface of the finger tab 430 around the connectinghole 440.

Depending on the type of mechanical fastening means used for attachingthe outlet duct 320 to the base body 310 in the embodiment of FIG. 4,the material used for the base body 310 and the material used for theoutlet duct 320 may be chosen to be mechanically compatible with eachother, but not necessarily chemically compatible. More particularly, inthe embodiment of FIG. 4, the fastening portion 450 is made from amaterial which may be mechanically and/or chemically compatible with thematerial—whether recycled or not—of the fastening means 455. Forexample, a recycled metal of the fastening means 455 may be mechanicallyand/or chemically compatible with a metal of the fastening portion 450.According to the embodiment of FIG. 4, the entire base body 410 ismanufactured from the recycled material. Thus, the finger tab 430 andthe outer wall 411 of the base body 410 are both made from the recycledmaterial.

FIG. 5 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the diffuseraccording to another exemplary embodiment of the invention. The diffuser500 comprises a base body 510 and an outlet duct 520. At least a part ofthe base body 510 is manufactured from recycled material. The outletduct 520 is however manufactured from a material different from therecycled material.

The base body 510 may include an outer wall 511. The outer wall 511 mayinclude concave parts forming a cavity, and the outlet duct 520 may befully housed in the cavity formed by the outer wall 511. In thisexample, the outer wall 511 is substantially cylindrical. In order tocooperate with a cylindrical end of a pressurized container fitted witha valve, a lower part of the outer wall 511 of the base body may exhibitrotational symmetry around an axis A when attached to the container. Thebase body 510 may be configured to be attached to the pressurizedcontainer by means of a fastening ring 512. In this example, thefastening ring 512 is fitted with a series of gadroons regularlydistributed along the periphery of an inner surface of the outer wall511 of the base body in such a way that the series of gadroons can snapbehind a rolled edge of the upper end of the pressurized container.

The base body 510 may include a finger tab 530 to be depressed by theuser, said finger tab 530 being formed by a finger tab opening 513 inthe outer wall 511 of the base body. The finger tab 530 may be attachedto the rest of the base body 510 by a tongue 531, at the back of thefinger tab 530, which serves as a hinge.

An outlet opening 514 may be created in the outer wall 511 of the basebody. The outlet opening 514 may be configured so that the productwithdrawn from the pressurized container passes through it when beingreleased from the outlet duct 520.

The base body 510 includes a connecting hole 540. In this example, thereis one connecting hole 540 through the outer wall 511 of the base bodybelow the outlet opening 514 at a distance from the outlet opening 514.The connecting hole 540 may be located in the longitudinal plane of thediffuser passing through axis A. The connecting hole 540 be a throughhole between an inner surface and an outer surface of the outer wall 511of the base body and may extend substantially parallel to the axis ofthe outlet opening 514.

The outlet duct 520 placed in the base body 510 has a passage 523between a first end 521 and a second end 522. The first end 521 isconfigured to cooperate with the pressurized container's valve. Thesecond end 522 is configured for the release of the product contained inthe pressurized container. When the outlet duct 520 is fastened to thebase body 510, the second end 522 is oriented so as to correspond withthe outlet opening 514. The second end 522 may have a fixed position inrelation to the outlet opening 514.

The outlet duct 520 may be divided between a substantially straightfirst section 524 and a second section 525 a, 525 b, 525 c, 525 d whichis substantially perpendicular to the first when the finger tab 530 isin a resting position. The first section 524 and the second section 525a, 525 b, 525 c, 525 d may form the passage 523 between the first end521 and the second end 522.

The second section 525 a, 525 b, 525 c, 525 d may be of an overallcylindrical shape and include, on its outer surface near the junctionwith the first section 525, a first notch 525 d defining a firstdeformable portion of the second section 525 a, 525 b, 525 c, 525 d. Thesecond section 525 a, 525 b, 525 c, 525 d may also comprise a secondnotch 525 c located near the inner surface of the outer wall 511 of thebase body defining a second deformable portion of the second section 525a, 525 b, 525 c, 525 d. The first notch 525 d and the second notch 525 cmay define a moving part 525 b of the passage 523, said moving part 525b being able to move in accordance with the vertical movements of thefirst section 524. The first section 525 a, 525 b, 525 c, 525 d mayinclude a part 525 a which is fixed in relation to the outlet opening514. Said fixed part 525 a may be defined between the second notch 525 cand the second end 522 of the outlet duct.

In order to fasten the outlet duct 520 to the base body 510 in theembodiment of FIG. 5, the outlet duct 520 includes a fastening portion550. The fastening portion 550 may consist of a plug joined to the fixedpart 525 a of the outlet duct's second section, and extendingsubstantially parallel to it at a distance. The fastening portion 550can be configured to be inserted into the connecting hole 540 and keepthe outlet duct 520 fastened to the base body 510 by interlocking,bonding, heat-bonding, welding, etc. A person skilled in the art willunderstand that the number, the shape and the dimensions of the plug maybe varied depending on the desired fastening. The fastening portion 550,when the outlet duct 520 is fastened to the base body 510, may keep thesecond end 522 of the outlet duct in a fixed position in relation to theoutlet opening. Moreover, the fastening portion 550 may prevent rotationof the outlet duct 520 relative to the base body.

The outlet duct 520 may include an attachment portion 526 to attach theoutlet duct 520 to the finger tab 530. The attachment portion 526 may beconfigured to be attached to a fastening element 532 provided to thefinger tab 530. In this example, the fastening element 532 is a plugprotruding from the inner surface of the finger tab 530 extendingsubstantially vertically towards the top of the first section 524 of theoutlet duct. The attachment portion 526, in FIG. 5, is a cylindricalwall protruding from the top of the outlet duct's first section 524extending substantially vertically towards the inner surface of thefinger tab 530. The attachment portion 526 and the fastening element 532may be designed to cooperate mechanically and to attach the finger tab530 to the outlet duct 520 by interlocking, bonding, heat-bonding, orwelding.

Preferably, the axes of the fastening element 532, the attachmentportion 526, the first section 524 of the outlet duct, and thepressurized container's valve are coaxial. Pressure exerted by the useron the finger tab 530 may cause a substantially vertical displacement ofthe outlet duct's first section and an actuation of the pressurizedcontainer's valve. The vertical displacement of the outlet duct's firstsection 524 is followed by bending of the deformable sections 525 c, 525d of the second section of the outlet duct 520. When the finger tab isin the actuated position, the moving part 525 b of the second sectionmay be at an angle to the outlet duct's first section 524. The actuationof the valve causes the product contained in the pressurized containerto be released from the outlet duct's second end 522 via the outletduct's passage 523.

Depending on the fastening means used for attaching the outlet duct 520to the base body 510, the material used for the base body 510 and thematerial used for the outlet duct 520 may be chosen to be mechanicallyand/or chemically compatible with each other or not. More particularly,in the embodiment of FIG. 5, the fastening portion 550 is made from amaterial which may be mechanically and/or chemically compatible with therecycled material of the base body 510 where the connecting hole 540 iscreated. For example, a recycled polymeric material of the base body 510may be mechanically and/or chemically compatible with a polymericmaterial of the fastening portion 550. According to the embodiment ofFIG. 5, the entire base body 510 is manufactured from the recycledmaterial. Thus, the finger tab 530 and the outer wall 511 of the basebody 510 are both made from the recycled material.

Although the principles of the invention have been described above withreference to specific embodiments, it should be understood that thisdescription is merely by way of example and should not be construed as alimitation of the scope of the invention which is defined by theaccompanying claims.

1. A diffuser for a pressurized container fitted with a valve,especially for an aerosol generator, which diffuser is provided with: abase body having a finger tab to be depressed by the user to actuate thevalve and having an outlet opening for the release of a productcontained in the pressurized container; and an outlet duct placed in thebase body has a first end configured to cooperate with the valve of thepressurized container and a second end configured for the release of theproduct contained in the pressurized container; wherein the outlet ductis coupled to the base body in such a way that the second end of theoutlet duct is substantially facing the outlet opening of the base body;and wherein at least a part of the base body is manufactured fromrecycled material and the outlet duct is manufactured from a materialdifferent from the recycled material.
 2. The diffuser for a pressurizedcontainer according to claim 1, wherein the material used for the partof the base body has a total rate of constituent migration from saidmaterial into a reference product that is greater than the total rate ofconstituent migration from the material used for the outlet duct intothe reference product.
 3. The diffuser for a pressurized containeraccording to claim 2, wherein the total rate of migration of theconstituents of the material used for the outlet duct into the referenceproduct is less than 10 mg of said constituents per 1 dm² of surfacearea of said material.
 4. The diffuser for a pressurized containeraccording to claim 1, wherein the material used for the outlet duct is avirgin material.
 5. The diffuser for a pressurized container accordingto claim 1, wherein the material used for the outlet duct is a materialsuitable for food contact.
 6. The diffuser for a pressurized containeraccording to claim 1, wherein the material used for the outlet ductcomprises any one of the following materials: a polymeric material, ametal, or a combination of said aforementioned materials.
 7. Thediffuser for a pressurized container according to claim 6, wherein thepolymeric material comprises any of the following polymers:polyethylene, polypropylene, polyoxymethylene, butylenepolyterephthalate, polyamide, or a combination of said aforementionedpolymers.
 8. The diffuser for a pressurized container according to claim1, wherein the material used for the part of the base body comprises anyof the following materials: a polymeric material, a non-polymericmaterial, or a combination of said aforementioned materials.
 9. Thediffuser for a pressurized container according to claim 8, wherein thepolymeric material comprises one of the following polymers:polyethylene, polypropylene, polylactic acid, polyhydroxyalkanoate,polybutylene succinate, or a combination of said aforementionedpolymers.
 10. The diffuser for a pressurized container according toclaim 1, wherein the entire base body is manufactured from the recycledmaterial.
 11. The diffuser for a pressurized container according toclaim 1, wherein the base body is provided with a connecting hole insuch a way that the outlet duct may be fastened to the base body. 12.The diffuser for a pressurized container according to claim 11, whereina minimum longitudinal distance between a first point, said first pointbeing a point of the connecting hole, and a second point, said secondpoint being a point of the outlet opening on an outer surface of thebase body, is less than 12 mm.
 13. The diffuser for a pressurizedcontainer according to claim 1, wherein the second end of the outletduct is floating in relation to the outlet opening.
 14. A base body foruse in a diffuser for a pressurized container according to claim
 1. 15.An outlet duct for use in a diffuser for a pressurized containeraccording to claim
 1. 16. Using a diffuser for a pressurized containeraccording to claim 1 for dispensing a food product, or a cosmetic,pharmaceutical or medical product.